Gus and Ricky saved my career: Big Willie

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Big Willie Mason has revealed the details of a torrid blast from
Roosters coach Ricky Stuart which installed the leadership
qualities that have turned him into the Bulldogs' inspiration.

Now he gets the chance to show Stuart how much he assisted him
by ruining the Roosters' premiership dream tonight.

Mason has also credited Roosters coaching co-ordinator and 2004
NSW coach Phil Gould for playing a major role in his
resurrection.

The giant second-rower said he can see the irony in two of his
biggest supporters this year being his arch enemies today.

Mason's career was on the line after the Dogs' alleged sexual
assault drama in Coffs Harbour rolled into allegations of drug
use.

He was fielding interest from the All Blacks and preparing to
walk out on the Bulldogs and away from rugby league.

Then along came Stuart in his role as Country Origin coach.

"We sat down and had a chat and that really played a huge part
in turning things around," Mason said.

"He told me he wanted to throw me a lifeline into rep footy. At
that point I was really thinking I was going to play rugby. I kept
hearing that I'd never play for Australia again.

"When I missed the Australian side it was a real kick in the
guts.

"People were saying that I was a rapist and a druggie. It was a
bad time.

"Ricky called and said he wanted to talk to me. He was pretty
hard on me. He told me that I was on the edge of going out
backwards because my image was so bad.

"Ricky said I had to tidy that up. He told me people were sick
of seeing my ugly head on television and hearing things come out of
my mouth.

"He told me to shut up and get on with things and said he wanted
me to be a leader in the Country camp.

"He said that if I could do that I would get a chance in Origin
because Gus wanted to pick me but was scared I'd let him down.

"I had already made my mind up to be serious about my football
after the Kangaroos tour last year. But then, with Gus and Ricky
showing that faith in me, I didn't want to let them down. It's
funny now that I'm up against them."

Gould has become a big Mason supporter. He has said several
times that Mason has the potential to be a NSW and Australian
skipper.

Mason also credits Bulldogs coach Steve Folkes as being a major
influence in his resurgence. "Day to day, Folkesy and I have worked
well together and we've put any problems we've had behind us," he
said.